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Independent review of ESC: the results are in

Eurovision 2024 The 2024 Contest reached over 160 million people in 37 public service media markets. This was, however, a contest that will be reminded for other things. Several countries have added complaints about safety behind the scenes. Also, Dutch contestant Joost Klein was disqualified; a novum in the Eurovision Song Contest. Reason for the EBU to announce an independent review of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2024 in Malmö. Review and conclusion An industry expert led this review. They gathered feedback from various ESC stakeholders, including Heads of Delegation, ESC Reference Group members, and the EBU/ESC core team. Today, the EBU shares the conclusions of this review. Based on the findings, the EBU identified three key areas to focus on in the coming months. These areas aim to strengthen and protect next year’s Eurovision Song Contest and future events. The areas are: EBU Governance and Participation, Safety and Risk Management, and Audience Engagement, Fans, and Media. Actions already taken To keep up the momentum, the EBU appointed a task force of senior leaders. This team will oversee decision-making and changes in these areas. “The review also highlighted the need for a stronger leadership team to manage such a large event. We created a new role, ESC Director, reporting to the EBU Deputy Director General and Media Director. This role supports the Executive Supervisor, focusing on ESC production, delegations, member relationships, and daily production issues. The ESC Director will also oversee a new role called Head of ESC Brand and Commercial.” Decisions “Just six weeks after the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, we made these decisions quickly to ensure the event’s future success. We are dedicated to ensuring that the Eurovision Song Contest continues to thrive. We aim to reassure participating broadcasters and millions of fans that we are committed to maintaining the success of this joyful event.” Development areas EBU Governance and Participation: Clarify decision-making roles within the EBU. Ensure diverse member opinions are heard. Define the responsibilities of the ESC Core Team. Outline the roles of Heads of Delegations and Participating Artists. Safety and Risk Management: Simplify and improve understanding of ESC rules. Strengthen crisis management protocols. Enhance security and cybersecurity measures. Ensuring a General-Audience Show and Broad Engagement: Increase collaboration with fan groups, influencers, and media. Build broader engagement and ensure the ESC remains a prime-time show for all ages.

Independent investigation into EBU and Eurovision 2024

An independent investigation will be started into the EBU. Insiders told Dutch TV-show RTL Boulevard about this earlier today, and the EBU has confirmed it. The investigation is being requested by the EBU itself after several complaints about an unsafe working environment at the last Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden. The investigation will include interviewing the song contest delegations, anonymously if they prefer. Several countries like Ireland, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and Portugal reported an unsafe working environment behind the scenes. There were more than 13 complaints from different delegations after the song contest. The EBU has also confirmed the news. “The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) strives to continuously improve its services and events. To further strengthen the Eurovision Song Contest, we have asked an independent expert to review ESC 2024 in Malmö to share insights and lessons with the EBU’s governing bodies to support the ongoing improvement of this global event,” they stated.

🇸🇪 Christer Björkman contest producer 2024

Today, EBU reveiled the remaining key members behind the organization of the Eurovision Song Contest for May 2024. Notably, Christer Björkman is making a comeback as Contest Producer, with Per Blankens stepping in as TV Producer. With an extensive history in Melodifestivalen and the Eurovision Song Contest, Christer Björkman’s expertise is unparalleled. Meanwhile, Per Blankens brings his rich experience from major music shows such as Melodifestivalen, Idol, American Idol, and China’s Dragon TV’s ‘The Next’ based in Shanghai. ‘Eurovision’s values are more important than ever, where diversity and community are the foundation. Therefore, I am extremely proud to once again be one of the producers for this event – it was impossible to say no’ – said Christer. Per added: ‘I remember my years at Melodifestivalen as fantastic, but to be able to participate in the big Eurovision Song Contest party in this way is a dream come true. To be able to work so closely with Eurovision’s television elite will be an incredible adventure!’ Christer represented Sweden in the 1992 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “I morgon är en annan dag”. He played a pivotal role in shaping the contemporary format of Melodifestivalen, offering his talents to the show in diverse capacities from 2001 to 2021. His contributions to the Eurovision Song Contest are also noteworthy, with notable positions as Show Producer in Malmö 2013 and Contest Producer in Stockholm 2016. Furthermore, he collaborated with various Eurovision broadcasters globally and notably introduced the Contest to American audiences in 2022 through the American Song Contest. Per is at the helm for the content and delivery of the three broadcasts scheduled for Tuesday 7th, Thursday 9th, and Saturday 11th May, aside from the contest’s competitive segments. While it’s his inaugural venture into the Eurovision Song Contest, Per’s credentials are robust. He took the reins for Melodifestivalen in 2006 and 2007 and has been a leading force behind significant music contests in Sweden, the USA, and Asia.

Welcome back Luxembourg!

Luxembourg is back Great news today for next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Although the host country will of course be announced in the night from Saturday to Sunday, but we already know that one country will return that last participated thirty years ago: Luxembourg! Martin Österdahl Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor says: “We are thrilled to welcome Luxembourg back to the Eurovision Song Contest after thirty years. The country has one of the most successful records in the Contest with five victories in its first three decades of the competition alone. We very much look forward to working with RTL on their return to the world’s biggest musical event in 2024.” Victories Luxembourg participated for the first time in 1956, during the very first Eurovision song contest. No victory then, but the Luxembourgians did not have to await a victory very long. In 1961 Jean-Claude Pascal won with “Nous les amoureux”. The first, but certainly not the last Luxembourg victory. They were France Gall (“Poupée de cire, poupée de son” in 1965), Vicky Leandros (“Après toi” in 1972), Anne Marie David (“Tu te reconnaîtras” in 1973) and Corinne Hermes (“Si la vie est gift” in 1983) who won the first prize. A striking similarity between all winners: they did not come from Luxembourg itself. The Grand Duchy usually resorted artists from abroad; French artists often took part, but artists from other countries were also present. An example is the Spanish duo Baccara, who took part in 1978. Withdrawn In 1993 it was the group Modern Times that took part. At that time there were no semifinals. A country that finished very low had to skip a year. It happened to Luxembourg. After that year we never saw the country again. So until today, now that the joyful news came that we have a Luxembourg entry next year!

7 cities on shortlist UK

Seven cities are on the shortlist to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. These are Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield. Not only the place itself was a subject, but also how the cities want to reflect Ukrainian culture in the festivities. Ukraine won the Eurovision Song Contest this year but cannot organize it itself. That is why the United Kingdom and the BBC are taking on the organization. photo: EBU The next step is to create a bid book. In it, the cities show how the festival is organized in their city. The venue where the festival is held is also discussed: it must also be suitable. The infrastructure and availability of hotels are also discussed. The city must also present the financial picture. The BBC and the EBU will make a decision together, which is likely to fall in the autumn.

Sietse Bakker: no plan in case Ukraine wins

The EBU has no plan yet, in case Ukraine wins the Eurovision Song Contest. Normally, the country with a high winning probability is already preparing for the organization of the next festival. Because of the war in Ukraine, it is by no means certain that this country will also be able to take on the organization in case they actually win. That is what Sietse Bakker, member of the EBU reference group, says to Dutch news agency ANP. “That might be a bit premature. After all, the competition has only just begun” says Bakker. “I do think it is important that the Reference Group comes together very quickly if Ukraine wins and thinks about what the ‘point of no return’ is: at what moment you can still decide whether or not it is possible in Kiev” , Baker explains. According to him, organizing the Eurovision Song Contest can easily take a year. “It doesn’t look good at the moment. It is still a dangerous situation. And it is highly uncertain how that will develop in the coming period.” There are several options if the winning country cannot organize the contest. “What EBU could do is go to a country that recently organized it. After all, the country can act quickly. Or one can say: we are going to a country that recently organized the Junior Song Contest, for example Poland. They did very well and they also have the ambition to organise Eurovision. The third option is to go to one of the Big Five countries.” Since 1981, the winning country has always organized the Eurovision Song Contest. Even when Ireland won three consecutive times, they always took on the organization. In 1980 the Netherlands organized the contest. The previous year’s winner, Israel, won twice in a row and was unable to cope financially. It is, of course, a bit early to speculate on this. Ukraine hasn’t won yet. However, the chances of that happening are high. In recent years, the number 1 has always won at the bookmakers. The last time that didn’t happen was in 2016. Russia was the number 1 at the bookmakers that year. Who did win in 2016? Ukraine… source: AD

Where are we going to in 2022?

One thing is for sure: we go to Italy in 2022. However, there are a lot of options. But we don’t have more specific information yet. As you could have read here, Italian broadcaster RAI started a bid process. No less than 17 (!!) cities and regions submitted their candidacy, being: Acireale Alessandria Bertinoro di Romagna Bologna Florence Genoa Jesolo Matera Milan Palazzolo Acreide Pesaro Rimini Rome Sanremo Turin Trieste Viterbo Tomorrow, RAI will provide these cities and regions bid books. Before the 4th of august, they all have to submit their full details. It is likely that, the more cities know, the more cities withdraw. Two years ago, even Amsterdam decided to withdraw as none of the venues there was available.

Australia: not on site in Rotterdam

This morning, EBU announced that the Australian delegation will not be able to fly to Rotterdam for the Eurovision Song Contest. Due to the situation around COVID19, Australian participant Montaigne can not perform her song “Technicolour” live on stage in Ahoy. Instead, the live-on-tape recording of the song will be shown during the first semifinal, and depending on the results maybe again in the final. In an earlier stage, Sietse Bakker, executive producer of the Eurovision Song Contest, already stated that it would be difficult to get the Australian participant in Rotterdam. In an interview with eurovision.tv, Montaigne expressed that this does not make her very sad. “I have the preternatural ability to let go of opportunities that don’t come through. Like water off a duck’s back.” She will, however, keep on campaigning for the song. The fact that she will not travel to Rotterdam gives her the opportunity to follow the voting with her dearest friends and family.